Heels On Wheels: 2012 Hyundai Veloster Review +VIDEO

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE HYUNDAI VELOSTER VEHICLEThe all-new Hyundai Veloster is a very sporty-looking coupe for four,
but with the practical gas mileage and affordable price of a compact car.
Loaded with standard technology equipment you’d likely have to pay
extra for elsewhere, the Veloster also features a Gasoline Direct Injection
engine (GDI) and a unique three-door system.

The Veloster will take the compact car market by storm, proving that
small, fuel-saving cars don’t have to look dorky to get the job done
– in fact, they can come as cool enough to appear out of your price
range. The unique three-door car system on the Veloster has one door on the
driver’s side and two on the passenger side, making travel much
easier, and welcoming, for others.

Watch the introduction of the 2012 Veloster at the Detroit Auto Show (2011)

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The upgrade bolster seating is a
must. Even though the instrument panel is small, it’s efficient. Love
the layered climate control dial and the fact this system takes precedence
in the instrument layout. You’ll love Hyundai’s Blue Link
system that synchronizes your traveling music device to the screen in
seconds. The moonroof is especially wide for a small car. A baby seat fits
in the rear but cramps the front passenger; the three-door system is
ingenious for this purpose. Surprising amount of cargo space, too: enough
for a family of three to travel for a long Thanksgiving weekend (sans
marinating turkey and numerous baby belongings.

Cost Issues: Hyundai is offering its newest addition at an
extremely hard-to-beat price – both at a base level ($17,300) or with
significant packages ($21,300).

Activity & Performance Ability: Shifting under the six-speed
manual transmission was safe and smooth, but sort of bland. Paddle shifters
on the automatic would have likely been more exciting. Road noise is
pronounced and the vehicle feels twitchy at highway speeds – despite
its hot looks, the Veloster simply cannot escape compact car trademarks.
Visibility out the hatch and rear quarter windows was better than expected.
Turning radius was kind and handling was planted at corners. Immediate
acceleration under a smaller 1.6-liter engine showed some expected
hesitation.

The Green Concern: The Veloster gets 28 miles-per-gallon
city and 40 highway for an average of 32. However, I was able to maintain
around 36 MPG doing a slightly heavier mixture of highway as opposed to
stop-and-go suburbia driving.

FINAL PARTING WORDSThe 2012 Hyundai Veloster will rock the compact car market with its
racy and modern looks, excellent fuel economy, attractive price and loads
of technology standards. You’ll also be amazed at the cargo space and
functional layout. Just don’t expect it to mirror the handling
abilities of a true sports car.